~Chapter 24~
“Is that knight dangerous?”
“He might be… or he might not be.”
Despite Eileen’s vague reply, Mary’s expression instantly became alert and cautious.
But she didn’t ask “why.”
Because whenever her lady did something, there was always a reason behind it. Mary just needed to follow.
“Then should I follow him all the way into that alley next time?”
“No. Don’t do that. We’re done following him. From now on, let’s ask the information guild.”
Soon, Mary found out from a nearby information guild what kind of place the brown-haired knight had entered.
“It’s an old building used by some third-rate information guild that no one pays attention to. But recently, some shady people have been seen going in and out. They definitely don’t look like they’re from the capital.”
“I see…”
Eileen fell deep in thought. Unless she went there herself to eavesdrop, there wasn’t much else she could learn.
Even though the knight had become a bit careless, he was still very skilled.
Even if they hired someone from the information guild, it was unlikely they could fool a knight’s sharp instincts.
“…I believe he’s the traitor inside the duchy. He’s probably passing information to Cedric’s enemies.”
“Really? Then shouldn’t we catch him right away?”
“I’m the only one who suspects him. And even I’m not completely sure yet. We need more evidence.”
So far, the winter had passed quietly, without another assassination or major incident. They still had time to gather intel.
That last assassination attempt… it must’ve been connected to the same people behind this.
Cedric had said the attackers were highly skilled.
If they had a spy in the knight order, it wouldn’t have been hard to plant assassins disguised as servants in the duchy.
It wasn’t just poison or bribery. This was much bigger than that.
Whoever was behind it had power and influence. It probably wasn’t a large group—just one very capable enemy.
But before Eileen could gather all the clues and proof, an urgent message arrived from the north.
***
Eileen wondered if maybe it would’ve been better if she hadn’t been there when Cedric got the news.
If she hadn’t known what was going on, she could’ve just let things happen without overthinking.
Maybe she wouldn’t have to worry or struggle with the decision that followed.
“Young master, it’s an emergency.”
A knight Eileen had never seen before arrived at the mansion. He was wearing the duchy’s crest on his cloak, covered in dust and mud as if he’d been riding nonstop for days.
“What’s going on?”
Cedric had been casually chatting with Eileen, but stopped immediately to meet the knight.
While he kept walking down the stairs, Eileen remained still, holding the railing.
It was obvious this knight had come all the way from the Lowell estate in the north.
Just watching Cedric greet him filled her with a bad feeling.
“Young master, it’s just that…”
The knight glanced at Eileen. She was an outsider, so of course, he was cautious.
But Cedric raised a hand and said it was fine.
“Just give me the report.”
“Please read this first.”
The knight pulled out a small piece of paper from his coat.
It wasn’t long, clearly just a short message.
But what kind of message had to be delivered in such a rush?
As Cedric read it, his face grew darker and more serious by the second.
Eileen tried to piece things together in her head, recalling the scattered events she knew of and putting them in order.
The original story hadn’t even properly started yet.
Everything around this time was just considered Cedric’s past—when he struggled and grew stronger as the future head of his house.
She didn’t know all the details. Just that Cedric would go through many trials and become a much tougher person, whether by choice or not.
“No idea who encouraged this, but it’s ridiculous.”
Cedric finally spoke, crushing the paper in one hand as his eyes burned with anger.
The Fynikel family, once loyal to the Lowell house, had declared that they no longer recognized his authority and rebelled.
Their military strength wasn’t impressive, but they controlled a key path to an eastern port.
If they blocked that route, it could cause long-term problems for the northern region.
They’re clearly refusing to acknowledge me as the ruler of the north…
Eileen already knew their family head was shady, but she didn’t expect an open rebellion.
Especially since they had little chance of winning.
Sensing the seriousness of the situation, Cedric quickly gave orders to the gathered knights.
“Get ready. We will leave for the north at sunrise tomorrow.”
“Yes, sir.”
The snow hadn’t completely melted yet.
That meant it would be harder for Cedric, who was in the capital, to return quickly—so the rebels must have chosen this moment on purpose, when defenses would be weakest.
Still, the worst of the winter storms had passed. It was risky, but not impossible to travel now.
Those born and raised in the north were always prepared for harsh conditions.
Cedric began walking toward his office to read a full report and discuss troop movements with Cassel.
“You’re leaving tomorrow?”
That’s when he noticed Eileen, still standing quietly in the same place.
“The Fynikel family has rebelled. I don’t know if they want to crown someone else, or if the head thinks he should rule the north, but I have to take care of it.”
Eileen’s face had gone pale.
Cedric thought she was scared of war and tried to reassure her calmly.
“You don’t have to worry. Fynikel is just a bunch of weaklings. They’re only doing this now while I’m away, hoping other small families will follow. I have to move fast.”
“…Yeah, you’re right.”
Eileen finally collected her thoughts.
Is this when Cedric gets seriously injured? Or almost dies?
Cedric was acting like it was no big deal — but that could make him let his guard down.
Even a small rebellion was still war.
But Eileen hesitated. She didn’t have enough evidence yet to bring up the traitor in the knight order.
How was she supposed to say: “Someone you see every day is preparing to stab you in the back.”
Or even worse: “You might have to kill the man you used to call ‘brother.’”
“Eileen.”
“…Yes?”
Cedric had to become the true ruler of the north—but this felt too cruel.
And yet, his next words were so unexpected they barely made sense.
“The issue in the north should be wrapped up quickly. It’ll be a bit hard at first, but… do you want to come with me later?”
“What?”
“If you stay in the capital, that Count Cassier guy might keep bothering you. I mean, if you want to keep living here, that’s fine. But the Duke’s estate is really big and nice. There’s plenty of rooms for you.”
The way he rushed to explain himself made things even clearer.
Cedric was angry about the rebellion, sure — but he didn’t see it as a huge crisis.
He just thought it was a temporary mess that would settle once he returned.
“I’ll send word. It should all be over before summer.”
“Okay…”
“Okay?”
Eileen nodded without thinking.
Is he going to get injured during this rebellion? Can he really stop it so easily? But how can I let him go into battle with a traitor right beside him?
On the outside, things seemed calm. But her mind was racing.
Meanwhile, Cedric had already turned and was heading back up the stairs. His steps were surprisingly light.
“I’m going to a strategy meeting now. Even if I’m away, just stay in the mansion. Actually, I’ll tell everyone not to make a fuss this time—so don’t bring up debts or anything like before. Just stay as long as you want.”
“…Be careful.”
“I’ve had plenty of battle experience. After Father died, I handled similar stuff—not this bad, but still.”
Cedric thought Eileen was worried because she assumed he had no combat experience—and tried to ease her worries.
All Eileen could do was hold back her anxious thoughts and watch him disappear down the hall toward his office.
